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Reviews

21-Nov-12
Jay C

Sam Davis is a wonderful guitar teacher and a very nice guy. I've
enjoyed every lesson I've had with him. It had been over 35 years
since I had taken guitar lessons as a teenager and I was a bit anxious
to find a teacher who would help me restart my fretboard explorations.
Sam was the perfect teacher for this. He introduced me to a host of
new concepts, exercises, and ideas. I particularly appreciate the
quality of the written materials he gave me each lesson. These charts
and diagrams will be a rich resource for me to draw from for years to
come. I feel lucky to have found Sam and sat in the student's chair. I
also feel quite privileged to have been introduced to Darla.

07-Sep-12
Timothy U

I found Sam through an ad he'd placed online. In a world of similar sounding and similar looking guitar lessons ads, Sam's stood out: enthusiasm! humor! links to his wacky posters! exclamation points!

I came to Sam after being self-taught for a few months, but still very new to playing guitar. Sam is local to Cambridge - about halfway between Central Square and Harvard Square, walkable from either Red Line stop. Being self-taught to start, I wasn't sure what to expect of lessons. I was instantly put at ease when I saw Sam's teaching space: colorfully painted, barnyard-themed (parts of it, at least), equal parts shrine to guitar and a display of Sam's unique personal style. Did I mention Darla the Cow, Sam's six-foot fiberglass pet?

Sam's teaching style is a mix of whimsy, technical mastery and artistry. One moment we could be talking about the mixolydian mode, the next moment talking about the proper way to hold your fingers on the fretboard when playing a certain scale, straight into which types chords sound the most orcish. He is very easy-going, but don't be fooled - his 40+ years of playing guitar have made him a master. The man knows it all - how to hold it, how to play it, how to care for it, how to make them cry or sing. His love for the stuff is infectious, and makes it very easy to learn. The guy is a ton of fun, and obviously loves sharing the guitar with people. The lesson always flies by.

What I get most out of my time with Sam is not necessarily the technical here's-how-you-do-this type stuff (though there is plenty of that), it's the conversations we'll have through the lesson. It's those off-the-cuff statements and observations that stick with you for a while afterwards - why a certain progression is interesting or unique, or how a certain song has no dead air in it, how a riff changes slightly throughout the song. Those things - clearly the results of a lifetime study of music - are the things I find myself coming back to the most, and are the types of things you can't learn elsewhere. Go see Sam!

06-Sep-12
greig c

The Boston area is crammed with great guitar players, but that doesn't mean they can teach. I'd heard Sam play many times and knew he had the chops, but didn't see the teacher side of him until I started lessons a year and a half ago. I was 60 when I started with him, with 7 or 8 years of half hearted playing up to then. A late comer to music for sure. Sam insisted on getting to the point where we were speaking the same language first, then went with whatever agenda or song I brought to the lesson. No matter what I'm trying to figure out or learn Sam insists on getting there his way: by making me understand what we're up to. He's a patient, but relentless teacher. He Wants you to learn. This guy knows his stuff and can handle any style you want to learn, regardless of your skill level. Funny, quirky guy. Great to hang out with.

15-Feb-12
jonah t

I have been taking guitar lessons with Sam Davis for a year, and he is a great teacher. Not only has he taught me a lot, he is also very friendly, funny, and nice. He has taught me all sorts of chords, songs, and music theory. He figures out each individual's needs and customizes the lessons accordingly.
His underground lair is an enchanting setting.
During my lesson, my mom likes to relax on the extremely comfortable couch and listen to Sam and me play music.
If you are looking for an amazing guitar teacher, call Sam Davis.

Jonah
Age 11

11-Feb-12
Leah H

To all the adult beginners out there, Sam is your guy! I've been taking lessons with him for several months now and find him to be extremely flexible, knowledgeable, and most importantly, patient! I have no musical background, and while I'm sure the many advanced students he teaches provide a more interesting and challenging experience, he'd never let me know it. He truly seems to love teaching, and his enthusiasm helps push me to keep trying things I'd otherwise be unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or flat out frustrated with. I'd recommend him to those just starting or well-versed, he has years of experience both playing and teaching and it really shows.

30-Jan-12
Paul V

Sam Davis is a both knowledgeable and personable in his dynamic style of teaching guitar and bass (electric and/or acoustic). He has many years of experience in various genres of music, and his studio is easy to find, inviting, and much decorated.

I have been playing guitar for about ten years and have taken lessons on-and-off throughout that time. I started taking lessons with Sam in the summer of 2011, and within just a few lessons, he was able to fill in gaps in my music theory knowledge and general form. Sam is very thorough in his teaching and even creates his own worksheets and guides to reference when practicing at home.

Sam teaches a wide range of ages, playing styles, and experience levels from children to adults. He caters his lessons to your needs as a musician, whether you're a beginner or active performer. His lesson rates are reasonable, and he has a very flexible schedule. I would definitely recommend Sam Davis for all your guitar/bass needs!